In December 2010, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted by consensus the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee (65/160) on Implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (UNCCD). It agreed to hold a one-day, high-level meeting, in September 2011, on “addressing desertification, land degradation and drought in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication,” in order to help raise awareness at the highest level, reaffirm the fulfillment of all commitments to the Convention and its 10-year strategic plan and framework (2008-2018), and ensure a higher priority for desertification, land degradation and drought at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20). A letter from the President of the GA, dated 22 July 2011, provides the agenda for the meeting and other information: http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/65/letters/PGA%20Letter%20-%20HL%20Meetings%20in%20September%20-%2022%20July%202011.pdf.  

date: 20 September 2011   venue: UN Headquarters   location: New York, US   contact: Melchiade Bukuru   phone: 1-917 367 4081   e-mail: bukuru@un.org   www: http://www.unccd.int/meetings/global/unga/menu.php